Key issues include R&D funding, tax reform, environmental and labor regulations

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, April 18, 2016 — Top executives from leading electronics companies across the United States are calling on Congress to support policies to promote advanced manufacturing, as they gather in Washington, D.C. this week for “IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2016.” 

The senior executives – all members of IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries^® – are descending on the nation’s capital for discussions with members of Congress and Administration officials on issues that are critical to the future of the electronics industry and the U.S. economy. The association’s Global Policy Framework includes support for: 

• Robust funding for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), a system of public-private partnerships established by Congress in 2014;
• Comprehensive tax reform, including an increase in the R&D tax credit, a permanent extension of bonus depreciation, and a reduction in corporate marginal tax rates; and
• A balanced, fact-based approach to regulation, including rules on toxic substances and overtime pay.

During the two-day event on April 19-20, the group will meet with spokespersons for the leading presidential campaigns; Luis Jimenez of the U.S. Trade Representative; Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Chairman of the House Small Business Committee; Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade; and Senator Tom Udall(D-NM), a member of the Appropriations and the Commerce, Science, & Transportation committees.  Individual CEOs will also meet with their own elected representatives.

IPC also is recognizing two members of Congress with the “IPC Government Impact Award.”  Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) is being honored for his advocacy of smart, fact-based environmental regulations and export controls; and Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) is being recognized for his leadership on the NNMI and environmental regulations.    

IPC member companies represent an estimated 800,000 U.S. employees in almost every state and in a variety of industry categories. 

IMPACT 2016 participating member companies include: Chemcut Corporation; Creation Technologies; Eagle Circuits; Intel; Isola Group SARL; Insulectro; Juki Automation Systems, Inc.; Optimum Design Associates; Panasonic Factory Solutions Company; SAIC, STI Electronics, Inc.; TTM Technologies; Viscom Inc.; and Zentech Manufacturing. 

“Over the last few years, IPC’s IMPACT advocacy events played a role in advancing the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) and the permanent extension of the R&D tax credit,” said John Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC. “This year, we are working to advance a broader pro-manufacturing agenda – not only for the continued success of IPC’s members and the electronics industry, but for a strong U.S. economy.”

IMPACT 2016, along with IPC’s advocacy work around the world, demonstrates the association’s commitment to advocacy in the halls of government.

About IPC

IPC ( www.IPC.org) is a global industry association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 3,700 member companies, which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Brussels, Belgium; Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Bangalore and New Delhi, India; Bangkok, Thailand; and Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Suzhou and Beijing, China.